NFF 35th Anniversary Conference in Orlando

Our Keynote and Plenary Speakers

When the full conference agenda is published in early August, it will include a record number of speakers. We are excited to be able to announce now our keynote and plenary speakers for our 35th Anniversary Conference! One of the biggest changes you'll notice this year is on Saturday November 9th, which will include both a morning plenary session and a closing luncheon to celebrate this year's award winners and commemorate our 35th Anniversary. You won't want to miss it! Register here for the conference!

Thursday November 7th, 11:30am -

David Ambroz

We are excited to announce our opening Keynote David Ambroz! David is a national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate. He was recognized by President Obama as an American Champion of Change. Currently serving as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon, David previously led Corporate Social Responsibility for Walt Disney Television, and has served as president of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission as well as a California Child Welfare Council member.

After growing up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar College and later earned his J.D. from UCLA School of Law. He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles, CA.

David is an inspiring speaker dedicated to advocating for foster care, homeless youth, mental health, social justice, and activism.

He is one of the most successful individuals in the country, but his journey to get there was anything but easy. Watch the video above as he talks to Tamron Hall about his experiences with homelessness growing up, which he also details in his book, “A Place Called Home.” that will be available to purchase at the conference.

Video: Suicide Prevention Partnership for Child Health

Suicide is seldom discussed openly. Hear the story about Darnell Deas Jr., a star running back in the Monte Vista Christian School's football program. He considered his athletic ability a gift from God and gave Him all the glory. His Christian faith, ability, and positive attitude make this tragedy even harder to understand. Providing coping mechanisms and making sure your child is OK are some of the takeaways from this emotional discussion from his mother's perspective.

Friday November 8th, 8:30am -

Muriel Banks Jones & Cheryl Deas

Muriel Jones Banks is a native of New Jersey and an effective advocate for her 33-year-old son who has a co-occurring diagnosis. Her son’s diagnosis is very complex, and it is not an easy journey. When she relocated to Florida, she did not imagine the opportunity to use her lived experience to serve as the executive director of a family-run, family support organization in Florida. Muriel is transparent in sharing her successes and setbacks in navigating the System of Care in New Jersey for her son and on local, state, and national levels. She openly shares her journey with the hope of helping others who may feel they are alone on this rollercoaster ride.

Cheryl Deas serves as the Founder and President of the Darnell Deas, Jr., Marvelous Light Foundation. Cheryl has a passion for bringing awareness to mental health and suicide prevention. The Darnell Deas, Jr. Marvelous Light Foundation Inc., was inspired and created by the Deas Family after suffering the personal loss of their beloved son and brother DJ resulting from suicide. It’s through this heartbreaking tragedy the family decided to rise above the grief and pain and create this foundation devoted to making a difference.

Join us for what will be an inspiring and thought-provoking plenary session!

Friday November 8th, 11:45am -

Dr. Stephen Loyd

Back by popular demand from last year's conference is Dr. Stephen Loyd! Stephen is an Internal Medicine and Addiction Medicine physician, and he currently serves as Cedar Recovery's Chief Medical Officer and chairs the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council. He is an Advocate for Action recognized by the Office of National Drug Control Policy. He's also a key contributor to Tennessee's pain treatment practices, focusing on opioid-dependent pregnant women.

Stephen work extends to drug courts, anti-drug coalitions, and law enforcement, and he inspired Michael Keaton's character in "Dopesick."

Stephen has been in recovery from opioid and benzodiazepine addiction since July 8, 2004.

His personal connection to opioid addiction and recovery serves as a driving force, motivating him to continue making strides in the substance use prevention industry and creating positive change for the future.

Take a moment to watch Stephen's story in the video above and join him at our Plenary Luncheon on Friday.

You won't want to miss it!

Join Paolo for an inspiring opening plenary session on Saturday.

Learn more about Paolo here.

Join us to learn more about SAMHSA's exciting initiatives!

Saturday November 9th, 8:30am -

Paolo del Vecchio

Mr. del Vecchio is the Director of the Office of Recovery where he provides leadership for SAMHSA’s efforts to advance recovery across the nation. This includes expanding the availability of recovery support services – including peer services, housing, employment, and whole health care – to individuals with mental health and/or substance use challenges and their families.

A person in long-term recovery from mental health and substance use challenges as well as a trauma survivor, Paolo has over 40 years of behavioral health experience as a consumer, family member, provider, advocate, and policy maker. Paolo is a strong supporter of the important role of families in recovery and of the importance of family voice.

Saturday, November 11th, 12:30pm

Awards Ceremony and Closing Celebration